Growing Yacon, also Sunroot

Smallanthus sonchifolius : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    P P

(Best months for growing Yacon in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Easy to grow. Plant sprouting root/tuber to a depth of about 4cm and mulch to cover. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 25 weeks. You can collect a few at a time without digging out the whole plant..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

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20 Sep 19, susie barr (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
How can I get yakon bulbs from you in Auckland as I also live in Auckland Eastern Suberbs ?
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14 Sep 19, Glenys (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Katikati, BOP. Anyone know where I can get yakon plants? Thanks
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16 Sep 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Google it.
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19 Nov 19, Angela (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there Im keen to grow some Yacon where would I be able to buy some tubers
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25 Nov 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Check on the internet.
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09 Jan 20, Greg Bundle (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you tell me where to purchase yacon tubers? In nz Thanks Greg
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10 Jan 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try seed selling companies on the net.
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12 Jan 20, Alice Phillips (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can usually get them on trademe but to get tubers this year you would need a plant that's already underway. I have some available most years if you contact me in August.
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02 Mar 20, Carol (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hello - this is my first year of growin Yacon which I planted in October, although the 2 plants are quite tall they have not yet flowered. Does this mean that the aren't producng tubers yet , or will the flowers come later ? Look forward to hearing back. Regards Carol
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02 Mar 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Gently feel around in the soil to see if you have any tubes.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 52 comments
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Hi I live on Pirongia in the Waikato and am wanting to grow some yacon. Does anyone have any crowns to share or sell. Because we are on the side of a mountain we don't get frosts so hopefully it will grow well. Thanks.

- Heather-anne Lang

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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